2. Start Investing (No, We Mean It!)

When you don’t have a lot to begin with, investing to grow your money seems like a far-off goal. But new micro-investing apps let you dip your toes in this once-rich-man’s game and put your money — no matter how little — to work.

For example, the Clink investment app lets you invest in the stock market with as little as $1 a day.

The smallest amount you can invest is $1 a day, which Clink automatically withdraws from your checking account. You can also choose to invest larger amounts on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis

Or, link your credit card, and have Clink invest a percentage of what you spend — so you can make sure you’re balancing your spending habits with smart savings!

Clink charges $1 a month, but also offers a $5 signup bonus — which is like getting five months free.

Roxy and her husband found a boat they loved that was listed for $3,500. Then they waited. And waited. Finally, when they knew the seller would be desperate, they offered to take it off his hands for a measly $1. He accepted.

They had to put in some elbow grease to repair the thing — and the deal came with the stipulation they’d pay some slip fees for the old owner. But they still got a killer deal on the thing for that $1 down payment.

Are you going to find someone willing to sell a boat for $1? Not super likely (but tell us if you do!). But you should read Roxy’s tips to get a great deal like this on your next big-ticket purchase.

6. Rent an RV

Have you heard of RV relocation deals? If you’re a frequent road-tripper, you’ve got to check this out.

Rental companies have to move vehicles around to meet demand in certain cities.

If a glut of vehicles has made their way to New York — but not back to Indiana, Colorado or Washington — those other locations have to somehow be restocked.

Instead of taking on the full expense of sending an employee to drive a vehicle across the country, companies rent their vehicles to you. In exchange for sticking to their schedule and destination, you get a steep discount.

You can find relocation deals for RVs, as well as cars, trucks and campervans.

Pretty cool deal, right?

Stretch Every Dollar

Sure, some of these ideas are wacky, and some may not fit your needs (or your diet). But it’s important to get back to basics and realize the — sometimes surprising — value of that little $1 bill.

Keep an eye out for deals, think outside the box and don’t ever settle for paying the first price you see. That’s how a Penny Hoarder lives a rich life, even on a tiny budget.

Dana Sitar ([email protected]) is a senior writer/newsletter editor at The Penny Hoarder. Say hi and tell her a good joke on Twitter @danasitar.

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